Thanksgiving Song & Prayer Service
November 25th 2026

So much of a person’s life comes down to the choices that person makes. It is also true that some events are wholly beyond our control. The inspired wise man, King Solomon, wrote, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Ecclesiastes 9:11, emphasis added). We often use the phrase, “wrong place, wrong time” (or in reverse, “right place, right time”), indicating something happening beyond one’s control. However, while we cannot always choose what happens to us, life still comes down to choices, for we can (and do) choose how we react to whatever happens. The Bible records numerous examples of individuals who made choices, including the consequences of those choices (whether good or bad). For this article, let us consider—and learn from—two particular men and their choices. Lot made a choice. “…Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom” (Genesis 13:12). Lot’s choice to pitch his tent toward Sodom led to his living in Sodom not long after (Genesis 14:12) and eventually even signing in the gate—a place of social standing—of that depraved city (Genesis 19:1). While we must be careful to note that Scripture reveals Lot as a righteous man (2 Peter 2:6-9), it cannot be denied that Lot’s choice was costly. Lot’s choice cost him his sons-in-law, who scoffed and remained in the doomed city (Genesis 19:14). Further tragedy followed Lot’s decision, as his wife disobeyed the command not to look back and was turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Finally, Lot’s choice led his family into an exceedingly wicked place, and that influence is likely seen in the horrible sin committed by his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38). While each of these individuals made their own choices, Lot’s decision serves as a cautionary tale of how bad choices often affect far more than just the person making those choices. What a costly decision for Lot when he “pitched his tent toward Sodom” (Genesis 13:12)! Joshua made a choice. In his final address to the nation of Israel before his death, Joshua very bluntly told the people, “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15, emphasis added). There was a crossroads before the people as Joshua was about to leave this life, and they had to decide between serving idols or the one true God. Joshua made it clear that, whatever choice they made, he and his household were going to serve Jehovah, the one true God. Joshua was there—and surely recalled—when Moses set before Israel the choice between life and death, blessing and cursing, urging them to choose life so that they and their descendants might live (Deuteronomy 30:19). Even as Israel’s leader, some things were out of Joshua’s control; but one thing he could control was his choice individually to serve God and to teach his family to do the same. The impact of Joshua’s choice was profound, as seen from Joshua 24:31—“And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Joshua…” Though any number of Bible characters may be studied to illustrate the importance of choices, few drive this point home more strongly than Lot and Joshua. From these two men alone, we learn some important facts about life’s choices: -They are ours to make. Lot chose where he went, and Joshua chose to lead his family to serve God. -They are influential. Lot’s choices affected his entire family; Joshua’s choices affected an entire nation. -They have lasting consequences. Lot could not reverse his losses; Joshua’s godly influence endured beyond his death. What about us? Our choices affect our lives tremendously, and those choices influence others—often in very powerful ways. What direction are my choices taking me—closer to God or away from Him? Who is being influenced by my choices…and am I influencing them for good or bad? May God help us all to strive for better choices in our lives. And when we make foolish choices, may God help us to acknowledge such, to avail ourselves of His mercy and forgiveness, and then to make better decisions going forward. God loves us enough to give us the freedom of choice…so choose wisely!